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OBJECTIVES Be able to name 3 common mental health problems in older adult residents Be able to identify at least 1 intervention strategy Increased comfort in knowing about and utilizing community resources to assist in managing mental health problems (C)JF&CS of Greater Boston All rights reserved 2013 2

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3 Impact on Staff What percentage of residents take up the majority of your time? How about the impact on other staff? Impact on others? (C)JF&CS of Greater Boston All rights reserved 2013

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4 Instructions Write the name (first name or initials) of an elder who you find the most challenging During the rest of this presentation think about how or if the information relates to the older adult you identified (C)JF&CS of Greater Boston All rights reserved 2013

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15 Guidelines for Screening Start where the elder is Ask direct questions Express a belief that no one should suffer needlessly Acknowledge how hard it is for anyone to admit depression and to seek help Hold out hope! Educate (C)JF&CS of Greater Boston All rights reserved 2013

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16 Rates of Suicide in Older Adults Depression is the #1 risk factor for people who commit suicide High rate of completed suicides occur in older adults Elderly suicide may be under-reported by as much as 40% (C)JF&CS of Greater Boston All rights reserved 2013

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19 Prescription Drug Misuse Approximately one third of all medications prescribed in U.S. are for people over 65 Unintentional misuse Intentional abuse may be as high as 11% (C)JF&CS of Greater Boston All rights reserved 2013

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21 Suicide and Substance Abuse Suicide= a leading cause of death among people of all ages who abuse alcohol and drugs Depression= common co-occurring diagnosis of substance abusers Acute alcohol intoxication exists in 30-40% of suicides and attempted suicides (C)JF&CS of Greater Boston All rights reserved 2013

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23 Psychosis Up to 23% of all older adults will experience psychotic symptoms Dementia is the main cause in elders Visual and auditory deficits play a role (C)JF&CS of Greater Boston All rights reserved 2013